5 replies to this topic

[dma550]

Hey guys

Looking to purchase a built up 1380 from them with EMS. I am reading about hood clearance, and overall effort to the install. Anyone here using their engines? How have they lasted long term?

I heard some feedback, but this is to be expected I am sure, given the radical differences with a 16v engine.

1) Coolant hoses/lines issues - lots of fabrication work (may be taken care of with their ancillaries pack/external thermostat)
2) Bonnet clearance issue, could not close bonnet even with lower/solid engine mounts. Had to go with a fiberglass bonnet.
3) Alternator clearance issues (I believe taken care of by purchasing their full alt kit)
4) Fan - had mentioned electric fans, is there some reason a stock fan isn't used (like here)?

I am tempted to go with their 7 port with EMS vs. this engine, but I think I would love a mini with 8500 RPM redline and a flat torque curve!

[minisilverbullet]

Hey guys

Looking to purchase a built up 1380 from them with EMS. I am reading about hood clearance, and overall effort to the install. Anyone here using their engines? How have they lasted long term?

I heard some feedback, but this is to be expected I am sure, given the radical differences with a 16v engine.

1) Coolant hoses/lines issues - lots of fabrication work (may be taken care of with their ancillaries pack/external thermostat)
2) Bonnet clearance issue, could not close bonnet even with lower/solid engine mounts. Had to go with a fiberglass bonnet.
3) Alternator clearance issues (I believe taken care of by purchasing their full alt kit)
4) Fan - had mentioned electric fans, is there some reason a stock fan isn't used (like here)?

I am tempted to go with their 7 port with EMS vs. this engine, but I think I would love a mini with 8500 RPM redline and a flat torque curve!

would be interested to hear some views too!

[Udo]

1) Coolant hoses/lines issues - lots of fabrication work (may be taken care of with their ancillaries pack/external thermostat) - if you stick with a side mounted rad, standard water pump and use the ancillaries pack very easy, whereas mine with front mounted rad and electric water pump has been a right pain, i'm thinking of moving back to side mounted

2) Bonnet clearance issue, could not close bonnet even with lower/solid engine mounts. Had to go with a fiberglass bonnet. - My bonnet closes with no issues but I have a force racing Ti subframe which lowers the engine although I think spocket on here has used an automatic subframe with redrilled engine mounting holes to lower the engine and is using a standard bonnet. I believe worst case with a standard bonnet is that you need to cut back some of the under bonnet strengthening ribs

3) Alternator clearance issues (I believe taken care of by purchasing their full alt kit) - They have made the kit to make it easy to find the parts but it isnt difficult to find one of the nippon denso alternators and make it fit

4) Fan - had mentioned electric fans, is there some reason a stock fan isn't used (like here)? - if you use the standard water pump theres no reason you couldnt use the fan again if using a side mounted rad but i believe most people using them have an electric fan with a temp sensor instead/as back up

Check out efiminis web site for loads more info

Hope this helps

Ian

[dma550]

Thanks! I for some reason cannot get on efiminis. I've sent a bunch of emails, pm'ed Schprockett, oh well.

I would really love the twin cam motor. The tech, the torque curve, the sound, the revs, etc. But, I don’t want to lay my mini up for 5 weeks to do it. So what do you guys think - I am a person capable of changing air cooled motors (Porsche & VW), built a 550 spyder over 5 years, complete with welding motor mounts and fabbing all oil and gas hard lines, and someone that did a charger install on a Lotus Elise in a weekend.

How long from pulling my motor to installing would I be? 10-20 hours, 3 Days, a week, many weeks, a month? Remember, I am going crate motor, with gbox, all ancillaries, etc.

Edited by dma550, 27 May 2011 - 12:16 AM.

[mini13]

If youve done that you should have no issues at all with a crate motor.

[dma550]

If youve done that you should have no issues at all with a crate motor.

I guess what I am worried about is what the other needs will be. One guy here claims he's spent an additional 2K usd on parts alone, and it's taken him years. If it really is something I can do in an intense weekend + few days cleaning up, that's worth it to me. If I'm going to have to gut the car and have it sit on blocks while the Missus drives me around like a 15 year old, there will be hell to pay.